The bill amends Wyoming Statute 41-3-110(a) to extend the duration for which temporary water rights can be granted from a maximum of two years to five years. It also introduces provisions for the renewal of these temporary transfers, allowing the state engineer to renew them for successive periods, with each period not exceeding five years. Additionally, the total length of any temporary transfer, including extensions, cannot exceed ten years for the same purpose and location.

The bill removes specific references to the types of projects eligible for temporary water rights, such as highway and railroad construction, and instead broadens the scope to include "temporary beneficial purposes." It emphasizes that the state engineer must ensure that any temporary transfer does not injuriously affect the water rights of other appropriators. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 41-3-110, 41-3-111
Engrossed: 41-3-110